100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY - Oct. 16, 2016

On Oct. 16, 2016, SAIT celebrated 100 years with an event of epic proportions. Over 20,000 people came to our main campus to help us ring in the second century, and celebrate we did.

We started our birthday celebration with a free BBQ for the first 2,500 people, a family activity zone and live entertainment, but that was only the beginning. The day featured 100 Years of Wheels & Wings: School of Transportation Car, Truck and Helicopter Show; a meet and greet with our 101-year-old alumnus Clarence Hollingworth; and an opportunity to try welding, sheet metal and crane operation.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi kicked off the opening of our 1966 Time Capsule to a packed room. An estimated 2,900 pieces of cake were given out after special guests Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Her Honour the Hounourable Lois Mitchell and Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci made the ceremonial cut in our one-of-a-kind, 10-foot birthday cake. Canadian Juno winner Dan Mangan and his band brought us all to our feet on Cohos Common Field band the Stampede Show Band played us into our fireworks countdown. The fireworks plunger was pushed by SAIT President and CEO, Dr. David Ross; SAITSA President, Gar Gar and SAIT Board Chair Heather Culbert at 7:16 (19:16), launching an unforgettable fireworks finale.

FAQ

Classes began at SAIT ― then called the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA) ― on Monday, Oct. 16, 1916. SAIT was first located in the Colonel Walker School and the adjacent police and fire stations, then in a new impressive brick building atop Calgary's North Hill, where SAIT still stands today.

Did SAIT make an impact on your life? Did it allow you to give back to someone else or your community? Were you there for an unforgettable or historic moment that just has to be shared? The centennial team wants to hear from you! Submit your story here.